Care service will aid living at home

CARE team . . . from left, care assistants Tina Milne and Dawn Bourne and Gaynor Stevenson, (care co-ordinator)

A NEW care service has been launched in Oldham to help vulnerable people live in their own homes as independently as possible.

Run by Housing 21, the flexible service offers help with personal care and practical support and is available to everyone in Oldham that needs such services.

It will provide personal care, such as help with personal hygiene or getting in and out if bed, as well as assistance in preparing meals, domestic chores and shopping.

The carers can help with paying bills, collecting pensions and taking people out to classes and clubs or hospital and GP appointments.

If someone has been ill or in hospital, a short-term package of support can be drawn up to get them into good health and independence as soon as possible.

Additional help includes overnight services, respite services in their own home and relief for a carer.

The new Oldham team is headed by Gaynor Stevenson who said: “This is a wonderful new service that can benefit so many people. We can do most things from a full care package to perhaps a few hours a day to give a carer a break.

“This sort of help can enhance quality of life and also give the carer some time for themselves.”

It will be delivered by trained, caring and competent individuals and the group has pledged to try to ensure users receive care from the same small group of staff so they can build friendship and trust.

As Housing 21 is a not-for-profit provider the service will be very cost effective. Current charges are £10 an hour or £6.85 for half an hour. Many people may be eligible for benefits to help meet the costs of the services.

To find out more call 0370 192 4700.